A woman in her 90s has fallen victim to callous distraction burglars who stole money from her Warrington home.

Police from Warrington CID have appealed for information following the distraction burglary, which occurred on Penkford Lane in Burtonwood at around 11.30am yesterday (October 31).

The victim answered a knock at her door and saw three men stood in her front garden, while a fourth was sitting in a white van wearing a hi-vis jacket. They claimed to be from the water board and asked to come into the property to check the water meter.

The woman let one of the men in but left the front door open, and when the man saw the water meter he said he needed to check the kitchen taps.

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The second male is described as white, in his early 20s with dark hair. The third male is described as white, in his 20s with light coloured hair.

Detective Constable Vicky Hancox said: "These men have used a vulnerable woman’s trusting nature as a way to steal money. It is utterly disgusting and we need the help of everyone in the community to catch the thieves.

"If you are unsure about whether to let someone in who calls do not let them in. Ask for identification and do not call any of the numbers they give you. Find a number in the phone book or online. If you have any doubts ask them to come back another time when you are not alone.

"There is no such thing as the water board any more. There are water companies but if anyone says they are from the water board please call the police.

"If you have any information about this incident please call Cheshire police on 101, quoting incident number IML 227599."

You can also report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.